Gallstone Ileus: A Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction - Case Report and Literature Review
A. Vasilescu, E. Cotea, M. Palaghia, D. Vintilă, F.E. TârcoveanuImage Quiz for surgeons, no. 5, 2013
Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasiswith a high morbidity and mortality rate. We report a rare caseof small bowel gallstone obstruction in an 87-year-old femalepatient with cholecystoduodenal fistula. We performed anenterolithotomy, repair of fistula and cholecystectomy. Duringthe postoperative course a wound dehiscence appeared, whichrequired suturing and prolonged hospitalisation. We review thediagnostic and therapeutic aspects, given that the diagnosis ofthis condition is usually difficult and often made intraoperatively.In fact, here is no standard surgical procedure for thisdisease. The one-stage procedure should be reserved forstabilized patients, but in cases with associated comorbidities,only enterolithotomy can represent the best option..
